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14 Great Aerospace Engineering Programs for High School Students

September 20, 2024

If you’re looking to build a solid skillset in aerospace engineering as a high school student, consider applying to a program in the field!

Aerospace engineering programs designed for high school students provide a great opportunity to explore a broad range of topics, from the principles of flight and spacecraft design to the complexities of aerodynamics and propulsion systems. By engaging in hands-on projects, you can develop an advanced skill set that includes problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork — skills that are essential not just in engineering but in any technical or scientific field.

Participating in such programs allows you to work with cutting-edge technology, learn how to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems, and gain experience in areas like CAD (Computer-Aided Design), coding, and simulation. These experiences help you gain a deep understanding of the challenges and intricacies involved in aerospace engineering, offering a taste of what it’s like to work on projects that have real-world applications, such as designing aircraft or exploring space.

With that, here are 14 aerospace engineering programs for high school students!

 

The Beaver Works Summer Institute (BWSI) is a four-week, project-based STEM program offering workshop-style courses on a range of topics. In aerospace engineering, courses include the following:

  • “Remote Sensing for Disaster Response” teaches students how to use Python for geospatial data processing, satellite and aerial imagery analysis, and network science to manage and respond to disasters.
  • The “Autonomous Air Vehicle Racing” course introduces students to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), covering the software systems, electrical components, and aerodynamic principles needed to operate drones autonomously.
  • In the “Unmanned Air System–Synthetic Aperture Radar” course, students work on complex systems engineering projects, building a radar imaging system that integrates drones, RF hardware, and data processing.

BWSI is recognized for its diverse cohorts, opportunities for collaboration, and the specialized nature of its courses. Check the current course listing here.

Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA (Virtual options are available).

Cost/Stipend: None

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.

Dates: July 8–August 4, 2024. TBD for 2025.

Eligibility: High school juniors (11th grade) attending school in the U.S. can apply.

 

The AFRL Scholars Program offers a paid internship for upper-level high school students interested in aerospace engineering. Selected students receive mentorship from AFRL scientists and engineers, with opportunities to tour AFRL laboratories and engage in research and technology development. The program primarily runs during the summer, with limited positions available in the fall and spring semesters.

Internship duration and start dates depend on scholar availability and annual funding. You apply to up to three topics per AFRL site, covering areas such as Acoustic and Radar Passive Direction Finding, Complex Electromagnetic Structures, High Fidelity Explosive Blast Simulations, Modeling and Simulation Testing, and Weapon Seekers Laboratory Software Design. A list of available mentors can be found online here.

Location: AFRL Scholar internship opportunities are offered at several locations across the United States depending on the program.

Cost/Stipend: No cost; weekly stipends are provided based on the education level of the students and the GS pay scale.

Application Deadline: The applications typically close in January.

Dates: The dates vary for different programs.

Eligibility: 

  • A grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is highly encouraged for all applicants.
  • Must be a US Citizen. Must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Must be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for summer internship positions

 

The NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs offer students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in aerospace engineering. Through these programs, you will work on real NASA projects, including the design of rockets, spacecraft, and advanced technologies.

Through this program, you can develop essential skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration while gaining an understanding of the complexities involved in space missions and rocketry. The program emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of aerospace engineering, helping you prepare for future roles in the industry.

Location: NASA centers across the country

Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend awarded based on academic level and session duration.

Application Deadline: May 26 (Fall), August 30 (Spring), October 20 (Summer).

Program dates: Spring session (Mid-January — Early May), Summer session (Late May-August), Fall session (Late August — Mid-December).

Eligibility:

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Be a full-time student
  • Be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application.

 

The Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program’s CURIE Academy offers students interested in aerospace engineering a combination of coursework, hands-on projects, and mentorship from Cornell University faculty and researchers. The program provides exposure to research and innovation in aerospace engineering, with activities that include designing and building rockets, conducting experiments, and exploring advancements in aerospace technology. This experience aims to deepen students’ technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities while encouraging collaboration with peers who share similar interests.

Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Cost: $1,850 (Includes room, board/meals, and research supplies). Scholarships are available.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.

Dates: July 14–July 20, 2024. TBD for 2025.

Eligibility: Applicants must:

  • Be a current high school sophomore or junior at the time of application.
  • Have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, with strong performance in math and science courses.

 

Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) offers Texas high school juniors a year-long STEM learning experience focused on NASA’s missions. The program begins with a four-month online course covering space exploration, Earth science, technology, and aeronautics. Students complete interactive lessons, design challenges, quizzes, and discussions, with opportunities to engage virtually with NASA engineers and scientists.

Top students from the online course are invited to participate in a five-day virtual summer experience, where they work in teams on projects guided by NASA mentors, including planning a mission to the Moon and Mars. High-performing teams from this virtual experience may be invited to a four-day residential session at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Location: Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX and Online Experience

Cost/Stipend: No cost; Unpaid. (Upon successful completion of the online portion of the course, students will be awarded a 0.5 Science elective credit).

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in October. (Applications for the 2024 session are closed and will reopen in August 2024 for the 2025 session).

Program Dates: This is a year-long program. November-March (Online course) | July 28–August 1, 2024: 4-Day Onsite Residential Experience. TBD for 2025.

Eligibility: Applicants must be high school juniors who are U.S. citizens residing in Texas.

 

6. Horizon — Engineering track

Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as engineering, data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more!

The “Environmental Health and Engineering” course at Horizon delves into the causes and consequences of ecosystem collapse, focusing on how human society can engineer solutions to prevent or respond to environmental catastrophes. Students will explore sustainability challenges in areas like agriculture, urbanization, infrastructure, and resource management, while also examining modern engineering innovations. Linking this to aerospace engineering, students can understand how environmental factors influence the design and operation of sustainable systems, preparing them to tackle complex challenges in both fields.

Once you select a particular subject track and type of research you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar (from a top university) who will mentor you throughout your research journey. You’ll work to create a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. Apply here!

Location: Virtual

Application Date: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort

Program Dates:

  • Summer seminar — June 24, 2024 — September 2, 2024
  • Fall seminar — October 23, 2024 — February 19, 2025
  • Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.

Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a couple of tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here.

 

Boston University’s Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship track offers a six-week program for students interested in gaining hands-on research experience. Participants work 40 hours per week on a research project under the mentorship of a faculty member, postdoctoral fellow, or graduate student. The program covers various fields, allowing students to explore university laboratory research in depth.

Students also attend weekly workshops that cover topics such as the scientific process, research ethics, and creating a research poster. The experience culminates in a Poster Symposium, with opportunities to submit work to national science competitions like the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Additionally, the program includes sessions on college admissions and preprofessional health programs. In 2024, the RISE program is expected to host around 130 students.

Location: Boston University, Cambridge, MA

Cost: $8,940 — $9246 plus a $50 application fee (financial aid is available).

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.

Program Dates: June 30–August 9, 2024 (Residential) | July 1–August 9, 2024 (Commuter). TBD for 2025.

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are US citizens are eligible.

 

The Summer High School Internship Program at MIT Lincoln Laboratory offers rising seniors from the New England area an opportunity to explore STEM careers before choosing a college major. Participants work closely with Laboratory staff mentors on hands-on projects, applying technical and interpersonal skills in a professional setting.

For those interested in aerospace engineering, the program provides opportunities to work on projects related to radar development, electronic warfare, and integrated air and missile defense systems. Other possible projects include improving air transportation through sensor development, weather tracking, and decision support automation, or working on technology for advanced satellite systems used in space monitoring and Earth remote sensing.

Location: Lexington, MA

Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend is provided.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.

Dates: July 10–August 15, 2024. TBD for 2025.

Eligibility: Applicants must:

  • Have U.S. citizenship.
  • Be local high school rising seniors.
  • Be sixteen (16) years of age before the start date.

 

Lumiere is a research program for high school students, founded by Harvard and Oxford PhDs, that pairs students with a PhD mentor for one-on-one guidance in developing an independent research paper. The program covers a variety of disciplines, including aerospace engineering. Through this personalized mentorship, students engage with the latest developments in the field and refine their research skills by working closely with experts.

The program also provides the opportunity to interact with mentors from universities such as Harvard, Stanford, and CMU. Lumiere is particularly suited for students interested in interdisciplinary research and creating a unique research paper.

Location: Virtual

Cost:

  • Lumiere Individual Research Program — $2,800
  • Lumiere Premium Research and Publication Program — $4,800
  • Lumiere Research Fellowship — $8,400

Application deadline: Rolling, cohort-based. Applications for the winter cohort are now open and closing on December 24, 2024. You can apply here!

Program dates: Multiple dates throughout the year based on the selected cohort.

Eligibility: High school students may apply.

 

The NSLC Aerospace High School Summer Program provides you with hands-on experience in aerospace engineering. Participants work in teams to design and build an unmanned aerial vehicle, construct rockets and gliders, and create payload delivery systems and wind turbines. The program covers essential skills for a career in aerospace, such as soldering, CAD, propulsion types, and flight dynamics. In addition to these projects, students gain insights from industry experts and explore the field through trips and tours, providing a practical understanding of aerospace engineering and current industry practices.

Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD | Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

Cost: $3,895 (Residential Program)

Application Deadline: NSLC will continue to accept applications if space is available in a program or on a program’s waitlist. The online enrollment application will display all current availability.

Program Dates: Multiple sessions are offered in Baltimore, MD, and Blacksburg, VA. You can check the exact dates here.

Eligibility: Students must be between the ages of 14–18 and have completed at least one year of high school (students may attend NSLC through the summer following high school graduation).

 

The Carnegie Mellon University Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS) provides an in-depth academic experience for students interested in aerospace engineering. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum in mathematics, science, and engineering, which are fundamental to aerospace studies. Students participate in project-based learning, including activities such as designing prototypes, studying aerodynamics, and understanding propulsion systems.

SAMS also emphasizes research and innovation, offering access to advanced technology and guidance from faculty and experts. The program fosters a collaborative environment where students work with peers on various projects, developing teamwork and problem-solving skills essential for a career in aerospace engineering.

Location: Carnegie Mellon University

Cost: Free

Program dates: Six weeks from June to August

Application Deadline: March 1

Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16; Underrepresented and underserved students are especially encouraged to apply.

 

USC Viterbi’s Summer High School Intensive in Next-Generation Engineering (SHINE) offers a seven-week program where students join research teams led by USC Viterbi professors. You get to work alongside a professor and a mentor (Ph.D. student or post-doctoral researcher) on projects in fields such as aerospace, haptics, biomedicine, robotics, and environmental sustainability.

Students engage in hands-on lab work or computational research, focusing on real-world problems. The program includes weekly activities with the cohort, promoting a collaborative environment where students learn about research practices, ethics, and science communication, and receive college preparation guidance. Check out the 2024 research projects here.

Location: USC campus, Los Angeles, CA

Cost: $6,330 + $50 application fee (Full and partial scholarships are available).

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.

Program Dates: June 10–July 26, 2024. TBD for 2025.

Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors with a GPA of 3.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale are eligible.

 

The MITES (Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science) Summer Program, hosted by MIT, provides high school students from underrepresented backgrounds with a hands-on, immersive experience in engineering and science. The program offers a rigorous curriculum that includes academic coursework and project-based learning, with a focus on aerospace engineering activities such as designing, building, and testing aerospace systems.

Participants gain exposure to cutting-edge research and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. They also have the opportunity to work closely with MIT faculty and researchers. The program aims to provide a strong foundation in aerospace engineering while promoting diversity and inclusion within the field.

Location: MIT

Cost: Free

Program dates: 6 weeks — Late June to Early August

Application Deadline: February 1

Eligibility: High school juniors; underrepresented, underserved, and first-generation students are especially encouraged to apply.

 

The Engineering Summer Camps at the University of Illinois offer multiple sessions for high school students interested in aerospace engineering, with a preference for juniors and seniors for on-campus activities. Previous experience in the aerospace field is not required to apply.

During the camp, students will engage in discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on activities covering various aerospace engineering topics, including flight mechanics, aerodynamics, rocket propulsion, and aerospace materials and structures. Workshops will provide opportunities to apply knowledge from presentations by designing and building model gliders and egg-drop landers. Materials will be provided, and online support from staff will be available to assist with model construction.

Location: Urbana, IL (virtual option is available).

Cost: $1,000 (on-campus fee) | $150 (virtual camp fee). Scholarships are available for each camp.

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all slots are filled.

Program Dates: On-campus sessions: June 9–June 15, 2024 | July 14–July 20, 2024. Virtual session: July 21–July 27, 2024. TBD for 2025.

Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 can apply.

 

David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.